NeuropathologyNeuropathology is the study of diseases of the eyes and of the
nervous system, which includes the: Brain Spinal cord Body's extensive nerve
network Diseases affecting the nervous system can cause: Weakness
Pain Seizures Vision loss Problems with thinking or behavior Imaging tests like
brain scans can often show doctors where these symptoms are coming from, but, in
some cases, a tissue sample is necessary to diagnose a neurological disease. The
Role of the Neuropathologist Neuropathologists are extensively trained in
examining tissues of the nervous system. They examine radiologic studies along
with the tissue samples to determine whether the abnormal tissue is a tumor or
whether it shows evidence of a disease that mimics a tumor. Neuropathologists
also analyze: Nerve tissue samples taken from elsewhere in the body to determine
whether a problem with the nervous system is causing weakness and pain. Brain
tissue samples for symptoms of: ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) Alzheimer's disease
Huntington's disease Parkinson's disease Neuropathologists also assist in
neurological research efforts that use tissue samples to understand these
diseases. Learn more about neuropathology from the Department of Pathology. Get
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